Maui Electric Supports Science Lab Project for Roots School

Maui Electric’s Sharon Suzuki (center) presented Roots School and Head of School Melita Charan (first left) with $10,000 for its science lab project that will give students more hands-on STEM learning opportunities.

Maui Electric Company recently presented Roots School in Ha‘ikū with a $10,000 donation to support the development of its Science Lab Project that is designed to provide students the opportunity to experience more hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics curriculum.

“I am so grateful that Maui Electric recognizes the value of what Roots School is doing for the community,” said Melita Charan, Head of Roots School. “Now that we own our building and have a new commercial playground, we are now looking to renovate, which includes a new science lab. This generous donation of $10,000 is going to allow us to offer even more hands-on science for years to come!”

The donated funds from Maui Electric’s Hawaiian Electric Industries Charitable Foundation (HEICF) will help the rural school in upgrading a current classroom to include science lab stations and new equipment for their students ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade.

The Science Lab Project is a component of a larger “Growing Roots” capital campaign to renovate and remodel the entire school building and campus. The school recently started to renovate its 5,000 square-foot property that was originally built in the 1930s as a dormitory for pineapple cannery workers.

“Mahalo to the efforts of Roots School for fostering more hands-on STEM learning opportunities,” said Sharon Suzuki, president of Maui Electric. “As we work to incorporate more renewable energy to power our islands and maintain reliable service, it will take new technology and innovative solutions. That’s why Maui Electric is honored to support such endeavors and invest in our youth who will one day be the leaders and innovators contributing to our communities and helping to achieve these ambitious clean energy goals.”

Founded in 2006, Roots School is a non-profit organization that strives to create a sustainable, educational environment where children are given the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through experiential and academic learning, they encourage students to integrate creativity, critical thinking, integrity, and compassion to engage collaboratively and realize their potential as unique, fulfilled individuals.

Maui Electric’s HEICF supports numerous organizations and programs that steward and preserve the environment, improves the economic well-being of the state, and helps youth reach their full potential.